Vice President

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis•Washington, DC

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis is a leading global communications agency built to navigate the complexities of a hyper-connected world. We represent the icons and innovators shaping culture—from global heritage corporations and high-growth tech startups to the non-profits, creative legends, and visionary founders who define the global discourse. Our expertise spans the full cultural spectrum. We operate at the intersection of entertainment, social impact, corporate reputation, and consumer lifestyle, executing seamlessly across traditional media, social-first outlets, brand partnerships, and influencer ecosystems. Whether we are navigating complex crisis management, elevating advocacy campaigns, or launching global consumer brands, we are storytellers at our core. You may notice our digital presence is purposefully understated. While our clients are global household names, we believe the best work happens when the spotlight stays firmly on those we represent. We fly under the radar by design - preferring to let our campaigns, and our results, speak for themselves. If you're driven, intentional, and ready to do good, we're ready for you! Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis has an immediate opening for an established, highly connected Vice President to help lead and grow our Washington, D.C. practice. We’re looking for a communications leader with 12+ years of experience who brings real credibility and relationships across Washington, media and culture; and knows how to turn great ideas, judgment and connections into action. As Vice President, you bring presence, gravitas and excellent judgment, with the confidence to counsel senior executives and leaders through complex moments. You have deep, authentic relationships with reporters, editors, producers and influential voices, and understand what makes a story resonate beyond the traditional Washington news cycle. You are equally comfortable shaping strategy and rolling up your sleeves to make things happen: getting the meeting, making the introduction, picking up the phone (we’re humans!) and moving a big idea forward. And you’re the kind of leader clients trust, teams learn from and people genuinely want to work with.

Requirements

12+ years of progressive experience in communications, media, public affairs or a related field, with a track record of leading complex client relationships, counseling senior leaders and delivering exceptional work.
Know how to find the story, not simply react to what’s in front of you. You listen closely, hear what a client isn’t saying, ask the right questions and turn complex ideas, challenges and opportunities into narratives people actually care about.
Exceptional communicator and writer with real credibility across media. You’ve built meaningful relationships with reporters, editors, producers and other influential voices. You understand what gets their attention and earns their trust.
Have big ideas and the ability to make them happen. You see connections others might miss, bring unexpected people and opportunities together, and are just as comfortable rolling up your sleeves as you are leading from the front.
Curious and energized by what’s next. You spot possibilities, build relationships and naturally think about how a great idea, introduction or piece of work can turn into something bigger.
Set a high bar without losing sight of the people doing the work. You give clear direction, develop great talent and know when to push, when to listen and when a team simply needs a steady hand.
Care deeply about the quality of the work and the experience of getting there. You’re energized by ambitious assignments and cultural moments, and by the challenge of turning a great idea into something even better than anyone expected.

Responsibilities

Provide senior-level strategy and counsel across a diverse portfolio of clients (ex: impact, corporate, entertainment), bringing excellent judgment, a deep understanding of the media and cultural landscape, and creative thinking to complex communications challenges and opportunities.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives and leaders, helping them navigate high-stakes moments, sharpen their positioning and identify opportunities to build their profile, reputation and influence.
Bring deep, authentic relationships with reporters, editors, producers and other influential voices across Washington and national media. Know who to call, what makes a story compelling and how to turn relationships into meaningful opportunities for clients.
See beyond the traditional D.C. playbook. Find and create stories, develop unexpected ideas, partnerships and cultural opportunities, and connect clients to broader conversations in ways that feel relevant, creative and distinctly SSM&L.
Help keep the business and the work running well. Oversee account health, staffing, scopes and profitability across your portfolio; anticipate where teams or client relationships need attention; and work with senior leadership to solve problems early, allocate resources thoughtfully and ensure we’re delivering great work in a sustainable way.
Play a meaningful role in growing the D.C. office by leading new business pitches, expanding existing client relationships and identifying new opportunities that build on SSM&L’s strengths and aspirations.
Lead, mentor and inspire teams while working seamlessly across SSM&L’s offices and capabilities. Connect the right people and ideas, set a high bar for the work and help create an environment where people are excited to contribute and do their best work.
An understanding that behind every client challenge, deadline, pitch and big idea are actual people. Lead with empathy, kindness, perspective and a sense of humor. Build trust, read the room and help clients and colleagues navigate the inevitable twists and turns of agency life with confidence and calm.